My Expectations And Responsibilities As A Writer

A while back, I wrote an article about my expectations as a writer of my readers.

Today, I got the idea that it might be smart, to let my readers know that I'm not just holding them accountable. Out of everyone I hold the most responsibility for my success as a writer.

It's unfair that I've laid out expectations of you... but then forgot to include the important contract clauses of my own responsibilities to you, the amazing people who support me.

Quick Edit: After Re-Reading My other Article... I DID lay down expectations for myself. And I'm proud to say that I was pretty consistent. Whoops! That's what I get for getting excited. ADHD for the win.

1. I swear to tell the truth - and nothing but the truth.

Now listen. I will always tell my personal truth. And I refuse to write nonsense that I cannot passionately cuss (or get all gooey on the inside) about. so when I write my opinion, understand that I am telling my personal truth, from inside my universe. And when I write about actual factual things, I vow to keep it as accurate as possible, with fact-checks, research, references, and as little stupidity as possible.

2. It's my duty to properly give credit where credit is due.

Crediting my photographers, linking and crediting my references and information. All that professional writer crap. I will be honest - I sometimes (oftentimes) forget to tag my photos. Going back over my earlier articles, you'll see that I've gotten a lot better at it.

I hope that my fellow writers and my readers will help me remember in articles that I forget to do this.

3. I must hold myself accountable for my success and behavior.

Consistency and engagement are key. And if I take a month (or two) where I hardly write anything, I don't get to complain when I don't feel like I've succeeded and the bank account agrees. I am responsible for my success, and if I want people to find me and like me, then I need to remain vigilant and positive.

It's as simple as that.

4. I need to try to be open-minded to feedback and criticism at all times.

Feedback about my work, or even criticism over it, are few and far between. So when someone takes the time to give me feedback or criticism, I need to be open-minded about it and reflect on what was said. Even if what they said sounded negative, anyone who takes the time to try and teach me something should be acknowledged.

Unless they were disrespectful and demeaned or devalued my work... Then my Taurus kicks in and I'm no longer in control. (Kidding. Sorta.)

5. It's very important to me that I support my fellow writers to the best of my ability.

I've said this for ...like a year now. Engagement is absolutely essential to my success. And reading other authors' work and commenting and liking and sharing it on my social media is detrimental to not only their success but mine. I've made some really good author friends just by commenting on articles. Other members might see my comments and click my profile. There are no downsides to supporting other authors and reading other peoples articles.

And now that I've gained a repertoire of favorite authors, I have to try and remember to try and branch out even more, since I tend to favor them. I also try to take time to appreciate the articles I read, and make sure to linger on there for at least a few minutes so that Vocal will give them the 'read' stat so they earn more.

6. It is my responsibility to not write garbage and clickbait.

Even if I am writing a listicle with affiliate links, I refuse to write things that are false, garbage, or clickbaity. Even my affiliate link listicles need to be quality - and full of products that I trust and use myself.

I understand how valuable I feel my time, opinion, and money are, so I refuse to waste anyone else's. We're all fighting for the same thing, after all.

My articles, even my contrary controversial ones will be authentic, written with my own hands, well-worded, and WORTH others spending their time reading. The products I recommend to people will be quality products, and I try to avoid things I myself have not bought.

7. I must never allow my integrity to be diminished by the temptations and distractions of the internet.

The thought of using AI to 'fix' my writing is sometimes a strong one. I'm not the most technical writer, and I have no formal education in writing. But when I think about how many authentic writers can detect AI in writing, it makes me wrinkle my nose. I myself have no talent for it, but I'm guessing it's pretty easy with my crappy grammar to tell when I've written something for myself.

I'd rather sound authentic than be called a plagiarizer. I also stay off social media, because I find the articles I write on days I allow myself to scroll through Facebook I'm angry, and the articles are usually negative. I don't want to be a negative Nancy, spewing more poison into the world. So I avoid social media unless I'm sharing my or other writers' work.

8. I also promise that while maintaining all of my values listed above to the best of my ability, I will take no shit from the universe or people. I won't back down and I won't give up.

So, tell me, fellow writers, what do you think your responsibilities to your readers are?

Time is precious, thank you so much for taking some to read my article. I hope you enjoyed it and it proved useful in some way!

Find my fictional fantasy book "Memoirs of the In-Between" on Amazon in paperback, eBook, and hardback.

You can also find it in the Apple Store or on the Campfire Reading app.